CIP is an annual bilateral  medical and dental civic action project organized to provide medical and dental care to Cambodians within the province who desire attention.

Corpsmen from 3rd Medical Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, teamed with doctors and nurses from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, the Children’s Surgical Center and non-governmental organizations to treat  Kampong people with medical conditions.

During the exercise, the clinic offered general medical care, optometry, dentistry, pediatrics and pharmaceutical medicine.

“Most of the people here have little-to-no access to proper medical care,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin Foster, lead petty officer with 3rd Medical Bn.

“Many people here have never seen a doctor or dentist, let alone know about proper oral hygiene, so this mission will allow them to get the medical attention and awareness they need.”

According to some of the service members, the main goal of the operation is not only to give medical attention, but also to strengthen the bond between the Cambodian people and U.S. forces.

“We’re all working together to do what we can for the people here,” said Navy Lt. j.g. David Crain, the medical planner with 3rd Medical Bn.

Crain said the number of patients treated on the first day was a big success and set the standard for the days to come.

Many patients came from as far as the next district to receive treatment at the clinic.

Chhoum Seng traveled for half a day on foot with her infant daughter to get her eyes examined and have her daughter checked for an ear infection.

She said she was so happy she was finally able to get free medical treatment.

“I am so thankful for the help the American and Cambodian doctors provided, especially for my daughter’s sake,” Seng said. “It feels like a blessing knowing they united just for our peoples’ well-being.”

For some of the corpsmen, the first day at the clinic was their chance to put their skills to the test.

It was Seaman Apprentice David Thurlkill’s first deployment, and he already sees his job will be a challenge, he says.

“I thought it would be a little easier, but you really have to stay on your toes, because you don’t want to make any mistakes when you are treating someone or prescribing medication,” said Thurlkill, a hospital corpsman with 3rd Medical Bn.

Some of the Cambodian doctors and nurses said the experience felt close to home.

“These are our people, and it’s our responsibility to help them to the best of our abilities,” said Diman Somchan, a Cambodian doctor with CSC.

Some of the Cambodian doctors expressed gratitude to the U.S. service members.

“It is a pleasure to work alongside the American service members because as doctors and physicians, we are all here for the same cause which is to help people who are ill,” Brig. Gen. Hor Senchumnith, deputy of the health department, RCA.

The groups’ efforts continued throughout the duration of CIP ’10 with the goal of helping as many people as they can, said Crain.